The staff at the campground were nice and showed us to the tent area which was an open field by the bay with picnic tables and fire rings scattered around. We showed up after sunset. The second we set foot in the field we were constantly being attacked by the mosquitos. Bug spray doesn't help so make sure you have long pants and long sleeves too. Bathrooms were not too far of a walk, but they were disgusting (no soap, no toilet paper, a cockroach, etc.). The star were awesome, but hard to enjoy with all of the bugs. They were not an issue in the morning and the sunrise was awesome right from the tent. We were suppose to stay for 2 nights but had our reservation switched for the second night over to Long Pine Key.

There’s not much shade and there can be plenty of mosquitos depending on the time of year but it’s a fair trade for sleeping on the edge of the wild. We tent camped right on the water and woke up to dolphins swimming by every morning. We saw crocodiles, alligators, every bird and more. I absolutley love being out where I don’t hear road noise. I would definitely only go in the winter. We will go back!

A beautiful campground/hike if you're prepared for the bugs that await you. Bathroom facilities were pretty typical and fine. Nothing too crazy. The employees were really sweet and helpful with everything! A lot of wildlife to see. However, got eaten alive by bugs, even with bug spray.

It’s true what they say: don’t visit the Everglades during wet season.

We thought we would miss the worst of the mosquitoes in mid-November, but they were still in full-swing when we spent five days here.

Since we were also visiting Dry Tortugas, Biscayne, and Big Cypress while we were down in southern Florida, we had a lot of time to camp in the area. We camped at Long Pine Key, Flamingo, at a private campground up in Chokoloskee, and at a private campground outside of Miami. For a beautiful, scenic campground experience with access to some of the best wildlife in the park, we enjoyed our time at Flamingo.

Trying to separate our positive experiences from the hoards of mosquitos that we had to fight off each night getting into our tent is difficult, but visiting the campground in the dry season (December to May) should be a lot different.

Upsides of camping at Flamingo include a free shower (in a national park?! What?!), pretty sites with palm trees, incredible wildlife (we saw osprey, a manatee, a crocodile, and so many birds near Flamingo), and the experience of being deep inside Everglades National Park.

The biggest downside (in November) was the mosquitos. Also, Long Pine Key offers closer access to some of the more popular spots in Everglades, as well as easier access to non-park activities (like stopping at Robert is Here for a smoothie - a must-do!)

Our five days at Everglades were full: we attended several ranger programs (we especially liked the talks at the Anhinga Trail), Cole tried his hand at slough-slogging (wading in murky water up to your waist? Not for me), we hiked as many trails as we could, and we kayaked the Nine Mile Pond canoe trail.

You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Everglades)

One night tent stay to review for possible use with friends with young kids.

Stayed in tent only area beside bay. Site was bare with only a fire pit and maybe a permanent grill. Very few people around, so quiet. Beach not swimable, very rocky and shallow with mud.

Middle of the week had no movie nights at small outdoor amphitheatre.

Nearby restaurant was had limited fast food, over priced because nearest real restaurant or grocery store was an hour's drive. Marine close by rents boats and runs boat tours through everglades. That would have made stay more fun as would having someone else along.

I had visited that area of the everglades before which I enjoyed. Bring bug spray and long pants, sleeves, and hat.

The area of the camp ground is not picturesque.

Rest rooms available on site.

A really great place to visit if you want a taste of Florida away from all the Disney-esque tourist spots.

This park is like stepping back in time. Enjoy it and relax!

A few mosquitos and rain though an ideal spot for Everglades immersion. I'm a winter camper here and won't come in the summer as I prefer less bugs and cooler manageable temps. Decent facilities and plenty to see and do.

When we were there (early April), there were TONS of no-see-ums and if you didn't have a tent with a fine enough screen, there was no escape. Do not camp here unless you have a noseeum tent! They literally drove us all insane. Otherwise it was beautiful. The mangroves are fun to explore by canoe or kayak and the rangers are very informative.

This place is incredible. It really is like you dropped down into some jungle, oceans away from a city. Now, while there are definitely huge pros to that (Amazing animal sightings, cool plants, peaceful camping) there are also a few downsides too. The mosquitoes will destroy you if you don't come prepared. I'd definitely recommend double and triple checking you supplies to make sure that you are adequately prepared to fend them off. If you are, you will have an amazing time!

This is pure nature, you really have to make sure you're prepared for this place. No-See-Ums and mosquitos will eat you alive. I can still feel them crawling on me. The effects of hurricanes are visible everywhere.

The Flamingo Campground is rather overgrown, neglected and unstaffed, and few of the bathrooms are open… which adds to its charm! You want to camp at Lone Pine anyway! but for the full Everglades experience, go ahead and visit Flamingo, just make sure its open.